Maria is an artist and illustrator. Having studied a three year degree course in Graphic Design at Gloucester College of Art, she then worked as a visualizer in an advertising agency and a freelance illustrator while having a family. "Now I try as much as I can to get into my studio and absorb myself in drawing and painting," she says. Inspiration comes from colours and a life-long love of her garden, nature and travel. "My painting style has evolved to using vivid colouring techniques and I would say a freer, semi-abstract style. Different colours create different moods and have a great effect on the mood we feel when looking at artwork. One of my favourite colours is blue. It doesn’t make me feel sad, I find it soothing, relaxing and calming. I love the vibrant colours of acrylic paints and sometimes combine them with acrylic inks and pen work on paper, board or canvas. I find this technique lends itself to some of my bird and flower pictures, street scenes and seascapes. The balance between colour and line works well and the line doesn’t overwhelm but adds another dimension."